Made by the Miyagikyo distillery, the first and bigger distillery of the Nikka Whisky Company. It was founded in 1934 by one of the two most influential men in Japanese Whisky, Masataka Taketsuru. Yoichi Distillery lies in southern Hokkaido and has three sides surrounded by mountains, a terrain much similar to the one found in Scotland, where Masataka studied the art of Whisky production and returned to Japan as a master blender - with a Scottish wife to boot. Yoichi possesses its own cooperage and is particularly careful when selecting its barrels. Known as Hogshead the barrels are made on-site using new oak. Yoichi produces big, oily spirits in the Highland style.

Nikka Coffey Grain is a made from a mash bill containing mostly corn, and a dash of malted barley. It was distilled using a Coffey still (aka patent still). The founder, Masataka Taketsuru imported a Coffey still from Scotland back in 1963, because he desired a grain spirits high in alcohol content, but also one that retains the character of the grain, its flavors and aromas.

The newer, more widely used, types of continuous stills stripped the spirit of too much flavor. The Coffey still is notoriously difficult to operate, but it does produce Whisky with a more characterful spirit. This unconventional Whisky is NOT for everyone. It’s for those who appreciate the different. You, we hope.

SmartAss Corner:
Coffey still is named after Aeneas Coffey (1780–1852), an Irish inventor and distiller.

Wasn’t as good as I thought it would be based on the hype and reviews, but still a very good drinkable whiskey. I may be bias to scotch, but this one just didn’t have a lot of depth to it. I got the vanilla and the spice/ pepper and a hint of Carmel but that was it. Nothing to exciting for me.

Sabrina,
Feb 16, 2019

Honestly don’t get it. Syrupy thick mouth feel, with a sweet that turns into pepper. Meh. Not a fan.

Deja,
Feb 15, 2019

Very mild but delicious.

Israel,
Feb 13, 2019

My first Japanese grain whiskey. I can see this replacing some of my other bottles. The vanilla and sweet fruit were balanced by the spice from the grain. Pleasantly surprised and enjoyed every drop.

Spencer,
Feb 12, 2019

Excellent tasting whiskey. First taste of Japanese whiskey did not disappoint. Worth every penny.

Angel,
Feb 9, 2019

sweet, mellow, yet complex and perfect for colder weather

Brian,
Feb 2, 2019

There is a reason it is an award winner. Smooth and flavorful.

Jeremy,
Feb 2, 2019

Smooth with nice long finish. No smoke.

Adam,
Feb 1, 2019

Smooth and interesting, however, the flavor and after taste (strong sweet vanilla) was not to my liking.

William,
Jan 31, 2019

my favorite from Japan

Eric,
Jan 30, 2019

Very smooth! This was my first Japanese whiskey. This will be a regular in my collection.

Cole,
Jan 30, 2019

Coffee taste is subtle, it doesn't hit you over the head.

Reinier,
Jan 25, 2019

Such a nice smooth whiskey. A little sweet

David,
Jan 18, 2019

Beautifully balanced smells of vanilla, herbal flowers and a dash of spices,
Sweet taste from the corn together with caramel, light citrus, other fruits and a big vanilla,
A wonderfully long finish with fresh taste of corn that leaves you wanting to take another mouthful,

AJ,
Jan 1, 2019

For me, this has always been a hard whiskey to explain. I haven’t come across anything quite like this one. I recall the first time I tasted this one; I was in Savannah GA and had to be talked into trying it by the bartender. Thankfully, he was persuasive!
The nose is fruity with notes of vanilla the flavor can best be described as soft and elegant with bright fruits and a tinge of chocolate; not syrupy and heavy in any way. The finish is also noticeably short. I've heard other people say things like it isn't “complex” – sometimes simple is preferred! With a cube or two, this is one of the few Whiskeys that I could drink on a hot summers day.

Jeff,
Jan 1, 2019

This drink is smooth and I would def buy this again!

guest,
Dec 30, 2018

Mild smell of vanilla and coffee, smooth aftertaste, lingers in the mouth and gives a mouth watering feeling. Like it!

guest,
Dec 19, 2018

Nectar of the East.

Dawson,
Dec 14, 2018

Good whiskey, good subtle flavors

Collette,
Nov 28, 2018

Great on the rocks or neat

Daniel,
Nov 21, 2018

I love this whisky. As far as Japanese varieties go, I think this is the best available. Nikka makes other really great products, but this Coffey Grain is really something.

The quintessential bourbon. Everything is like a variant of this. By far the smoothest liquor I have ever had.

Zachary,
Sep 27, 2018

Great, smooth with ice... disappears fast though.

Jon,
Aug 27, 2018

Excellent, so smooth.

Zachary,
Aug 21, 2018

Very good

Matthew,
Aug 10, 2018

Absolutely delicious whisky

Ian,
Aug 5, 2018

This whisky has a strong alcohol nose that hides the complex and smooth flavors and mouth feel of this expression. This is more widely available than you would expect and that is a huge part of the appeal. try this and it's malt sister for a true taste of superior craftsmanship. For those who like easy drinking on the rocks or neat this is a fantastic spirit that makes your mouth happy. Superb!

Nicole,
Aug 3, 2018

Just exquisite. I had this paired with a caramel creme brûlée and I was thoroughly impressed.

John,
Jul 3, 2018

A wonderful and simple expression. Perfect amount of sweet and a clean finish. Highly reccomended

Doug,
Jul 3, 2018

an interesting and complex flavor. more sweet (vanilla?) than I would have expected. serve neat with a few drops of water to open it up and experience it fully.

Akbar,
Jun 21, 2018

Very smooth, slightly spicy with a hint of coffee!

Levi,
May 24, 2018

It's sweet, but not overwhelming so like most bourbons. A lot of vanilla and caramel. This is what I've always wanted to find in a bourbon.

Cari,
May 11, 2018

GREAT whisky. Definitely one of my favorites. My only issue is that I found it at my neighborhood store for $12 less than I got it here.

Tom,
Apr 26, 2018

not nearly as much smoke or peat as the pure malt. very smooth and sweet. definitely a repeat purchase for me

Art,
Apr 24, 2018

Vanilla stuck out to me, very smooth, now I want to try the Coffey Malt!

Scott,
Apr 21, 2018

I prefer the Coffey Malt - but only slightly. This is a great entry to Japanese whisky if you're a bourbon fan looking for crossover appeal.

Joshua,
Apr 11, 2018

Extremely good! Lots of Vanilla and smells of caramel. Obviously sweet and has a great oak barrel flavor to finish. Definitely worth owning a full bottle.

Joseph,
Apr 10, 2018

Delicious with a smooth finish.

Leo,
Apr 4, 2018

Pretty sweet but something you can still drink two ounces of without getting sick of it.

One of the best whiskeys I’ve ever tried. Spicy, full and rich with notes of vanilla with a delightful long finish.

Joe,
Jan 24, 2018

Delicious complex taste blending lots of flavors as you sip it. Good intro to Japanese Scotch Whisky

Jonathan,
Jan 14, 2018

Has a very smooth beginning and finishes like a scotch, which I am a fan of.

guest,
Jan 13, 2018

If I could, I would give it a 9.5. This is a solid Whisky. My only complaint is that Nikka has a Coffey Single Malt that is even better for just $5 more....another Whisky I go to on a regular basis. I feel it is a must for any serious Whisky guy’s cabinet. Let it open up for 5-10 minutes and watch your mind get blown.

Matthew,
Dec 23, 2017

This is the best Japanese whisky I've had yet. Smooth, but full. Spicy, syrupy. Real nice.

guest,
Dec 22, 2017

Sweet and smooth with distinctive coffee tease and and pleasing burn at the end! This is a special and different bourbon to have on your shelf for special occasions.

Chris,
Dec 6, 2017

The Flaviar spiral is right on, especially in the early flavors of vanilla followed by pepper. This is a sweet, but not too sweet bourbon drinker’s whiskey.

Chris,
Nov 27, 2017

I really like the duality of the spicy pepper and sweet vanilla/caramel. It has the smoothness of a 12+yr.

Rafael,
Nov 19, 2017

Smooth, easy finish

Thee,
Nov 18, 2017

just about perfect!

Michael,
Nov 7, 2017

Great taste, notes of caramel. Flavor has character; complex and lingers on the tongue. Smells alcoholic, the nose doesn't really give you a sense of the amazing flavor.

Matt,
Oct 1, 2017

I purchased this and the Suntory Hibiki Japanese Harmony to try some good Japanese whiskey and this was easily the better of the two! Great taste and very smooth. Both were smooth but this was better. At virtually the same price (actually slightly cheaper) I’d suggest this bottle!

Monica,
Sep 30, 2017

Everyone should have a bottle of this on the top shelf of their liquor cabinet. This stuff is Ahhhhhhhhhmazing

Chris,
Sep 27, 2017

Well crafted whiskey, always a good choice

Dick,
Sep 26, 2017

Very smooth with great flavor. Just enough bite to make it fun!

Ryan,
Sep 23, 2017

Best damn bottle of Japanese whisky ever-hands down.

guest,
Sep 5, 2017

Easy going, bit spicy. not overwhelming.

Aaron,
Aug 27, 2017

Glorious.

Jared,
Aug 24, 2017

Also a very easy drinking whisky. Somewhere in between a light and dark whisky.

guest,
Aug 23, 2017

Great fun. Love the addition of coffee to the flavor profile.

Antti,
Aug 22, 2017

is an outstanding, single malt with a birth of corn & herbs, a sweet life of tropical fruit & syrup, while its' death is long & corny. Harmony!

guest,
Aug 21, 2017

Elegant with an amazing aftertaste. A great introduction to Japanese whiskey!

Christopher,
Aug 9, 2017

Simply outstanding.

Ty,
Aug 5, 2017

Japanese take on bourbon. Really great stuff. I haven't had any American bourbons this good.

Philip,
Jul 21, 2017

Fabulouslyblended with a smooth finish

James,
Jul 17, 2017

It is smooth but not a repeat but for me. The taste and after taste are not what I am looking for. The smell is more rubbing alchol with a touch of corn than anything else. 4 drops of distilled water smoothed a double shot out to my drinkable standard.

Craig,
Jul 1, 2017

Very smooth with good flavor.

Amanda,
Jun 23, 2017

Very smooth, bourbon-like whiskey.

David,
Jun 22, 2017

Loved this Japanese whiskey for the price. Thought is was very smooth and prefer it over Hibiki which was one of my "go-to" bottles.

Jon,
Jun 18, 2017

Smooth and flavorful. One my go to drinks

John,
Jun 12, 2017

A little sweet for a "scotch" but interesting and a great value, will always keep in house

guest,
Jun 10, 2017

Extremely smooth and tasted it next to Yamazaki 18yr at The Society bar in the Park Hotel Tokyo. I actually preferred this over the Yamazaki. While it says coffee, it's not a strong coffee flavor, but very smooth and not punishing.

Michael,
Jun 9, 2017

Delicious! Must have.

Glenn,
Jun 1, 2017

Great whiskey at the price point

Dean,
May 13, 2017

This is a great whiskey. It is on the sweet side, notes of honey or caramel.

guest,
Mar 12, 2017

Honey. Delicate sweet.

Rich,
Feb 28, 2017

Very reminiscent of good bourbon. Flavor Spiral was spot on.

Elton,
Jan 26, 2017

Super smooth

Mr.,
Dec 27, 2016

Very flavorful

Gary,
Nov 30, 2016

Bold!! Delicious

Katy,
Nov 16, 2016

Probably one of the best and most complex whiskies I've had yet. Not for beginners I would say, it is very bold and very unique. I'm torn between sharing it with all my fellow whiskey drinkers and keeping it entirely for myself. If you're an adventurous drinker, I'd highly recommend trying it.

Jesse,
Oct 4, 2016

Very pleasant. Good, complex flavors.

Chris,
Oct 2, 2016

Worth every penny and then some. Like a cross between highland and a great bourbon: sweet, kind of light in some regards, smooth down the neck, great finish.

Jacob,
Sep 25, 2016

Perfection

Ryan,
Sep 23, 2016

Light and sweet. Definitely a new favorite.

Jacob,
Sep 16, 2016

love it!

Richard,
Sep 14, 2016

Absolutely amazing

Pedro,
Sep 6, 2016

I loved the flavors and the smoothness of this whiskey!

Michael,
Aug 21, 2016

This is a really unique whiskey from Japan. It goes down more like a bourbon than a Japanese whiskey. It hits every bourbon note: vanilla, pepper, spice (cinnamon), caramel, and melon. It also adds some herbal notes which aren't usually found in bourbon: mint, and tea. The finish draws out quite long for a whiskey of this kind.

guest,
Aug 20, 2016

Very delicious, very special whisky experience from Japan. A real charmer with strong charisma. Sweet in all the right ways, with subtle complexity. A favorite. Looking to try the Coffey Malt.

Scott,
Aug 14, 2016

My favorite so far. Very smooth. After a small sampling I immediately bought a bottle of my own.

Bill,
Aug 5, 2016

Wifey and I both love this one! Absolute must have for your cabinet.

Eric,
Jul 22, 2016

Amaz-a-zing! Complex, no burn. Favorite so far

Matthew,
Jul 15, 2016

Picked up the bottle on a whim and thought it was okay. The taste was not very robust or interesting, I thought it was rather plain. Would not buy again.

Ron,
Jul 11, 2016

Wonderful firm yet flavoured whiskey.

Thomas,
Jul 6, 2016

Wow...It is like sucking on a butterscotch candy.

Joseph,
Jun 26, 2016

Perfect flavor at an amazing price would definitely recommend to anyone who appreciates a fine bourbon

Dr.,
Jun 21, 2016

Amazing

Ruchik,
May 29, 2016

Nice sweet notes. Smooth finish overall.

David,
May 23, 2016

One of my favorites, price here is fair if it's your free shipping monthly bottle. You won't find it on a shelf in the us. Master of malt sells it for $57, however shipping to the us is another $50. This dram may be enough to keep me subscribed for a bit.

Eric,
Apr 30, 2016

Deliciously different! Warm and smooth.

guest,
Apr 16, 2016

This was a great find on vacation.

Diogenes,
Mar 30, 2016

Good stuff. Great balance of sweet, savory, and alcoholic. Fantastic for mixing or sipping on its own.

Paul,
Mar 6, 2016

Floral and more nuanced than many other varieties of whiskey. A great slow sipper.

guest,
Jan 28, 2016

Delicious. A favorite forever.

Jeffrey,
Dec 8, 2015

A perfect whiskey

Tim,
Oct 16, 2015

Unique!

guest,
Jul 26, 2015

Had a taste of this today after being recommended the range. Really nice distinctive flavours for a young whiskey. Highly recommend.